It’s no real surprise that the McLaren 650S Spider has the same re-tuned version of McLaren’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out 650 pferdestarkes, aka 641 horse. That means the same 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 3 seconds dead (0 to 60 in about 2.8 seconds). The sprint from 0 to 124 mph (0-200 km/h) takes 8.6 seconds, 0.2 slower than the 650S Coupe. Top speed is 204 mph, 3 less than the Coupe. The slightly diminished performance is likely caused in part be a weight gain of 88 pounds and ever minimally diminished aero slippery-ness. But, who cares?

All those performance figures aside, I’d have the McLaren 650S Spider over the Coupe. The reason is simple… look at it. It’s stunning, especially in McLaren’s signature metallic orange. To have a car with that level of performance and have a roof that can automatically lower (at speeds up to 19 mph) to enjoy a lovely sunny day, that is perhaps as close to the definition of automotive bliss as I can think of.

Take a look at the three photos galleries, read the tech and performance specs, peruse the press release and decide for yourself. While you do that, I’ll be over here wondering who I need to bribe to get a road test of the McLaren 650S Spider.

Press Release

McLaren 650S Spider Press Release

No reduction in torsional strength due to unique carbon fibre MonoCell chassis; similar weight, too

Two piece roof can be raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds on the move at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph)

Mar 4, 2014 — McLaren Automotive has now released images and full information for the convertible version of its latest model, the McLaren 650S, unveiled at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show. The McLaren 650S Spider is a no compromise open-top high performance sports car offering the same performance, handling and driver enjoyment, with the addition of a two-piece retractable hard top. The latest model is shown in Tarocco Orange, a new addition to the McLaren colour collection, developed with technology partner AkzoNobel.

Most competitors do not offer high performance iterations as convertibles due to the compromises that invariably plague open-roof cars. These models will be heavier and have substantially less torsional rigidity, to the detriment of handling and ride.

The carbon fibre MonoCell chassis at the heart of the McLaren 650S requires no additional strengthening or reinforcing in open-top guise, and gives the 650S Spider identical handling and ride, and virtually identical straight-line performance figures. The overall weight of the 650S Spider is 1,370 kg (dry), an increase of only 40 kg over the Coupé, with this additional mass coming from the Retractable Hard Top and roof mechanism, and is less than any other car in its class.

The two-piece Retractable Hard Top can be automatically raised or lower in less than 17 seconds, and can be activated while stationary or at any speed up to 30km/h (19mph).

As with the 12C Spider, the 650S Spider uses a heated glass rear window, operating independently of the roof. With the roof down, the rear window acts as a wind deflector, reducing cabin buffeting. Roof up, the rear screen can be lowered to allow more engine noise – and driving drama – into the cabin, and for a semi-open top driving experience even when it is raining. When down, the roof is stowed beneath a body-coloured hard tonneau cover incorporated in the twin rear buttresses. With the roof raised, the area beneath the tonneau cover can be used as additional luggage space.

Rather than being a stripped out road racer, the 650S Coupé and 650 Spider models are fitted with a high level of luxury equipment as standard. Carbon ceramic brakes sit behind unique ‘650’ lightweight alloy wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero™ Corsa tyres, IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio in Europe (SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless tethering, audio streaming and voice control are all fitted as standard, and the cabin is fully trimmed in Alcantara.